The first direct flight from Owensboro to Charlotte took place on Thursday, marking the start of a new local connection to a major international travel hub.
The jet service is offered through Contour Airlines. Round-trip flights between Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport will operate five days a week — every day except Tuesday and Saturday — complementing the airport’s current daily service to O’Hare International Airport.
As part of the adjustment, Owensboro will now offer one daily flight to Chicago instead of two, creating space in the schedule for Charlotte service on five of those days.
Tickets to either destination can be purchased on the Contour site here.
The new destination provides expanded connectivity for travelers throughout the eastern U.S., as well as international options including the Caribbean.
“We’re excited about the new Charlotte service, which offers both a strong destination and greater connectivity, both domestically and internationally,” said Airport Director Tristan Durbin. “It’s another important step in serving our community and region, and we encourage residents and businesses to consider flying local.”
Durbin previously said the Charlotte addition was approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation because it does not require additional subsidy through the Essential Air Service program.
“Contour was willing to offer Charlotte service with no additional subsidy cost. They’re doing it all within the existing amount that DOT had already approved, so DOT was okay with it,” he said previously.
